Graphic Design Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) is dedicated to delivering innovative ideas and actions aimed at empowering and transforming Africa. Established to support the continent's development, UNECA focuses on addressing regional challenges and promoting sustainable economic growth. The organization operates across various countries in Africa, working collaboratively with member states to implement the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 206

• UNECA's mission is guided by five strategic directions that emphasize knowledge sharing, economic diversification, innovative financing, regional solutions to transboundary challenges, and advocating for Africa's position in global governance.

Job Overview:
The Graphic Design Assistant will play a crucial role within the Publications & Conference Management Section (PCMS) of UNECA. This position involves collaborating with clients to understand their design needs and objectives, participating in initial meetings to discuss project specifications, and independently managing design assignments for various UN-sponsored activities. The assistant will conceptualize and develop design proposals, create infographics and data visualizations, and prepare designs for final review and printing. The role requires effective communication and coordination with clients and other stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on time and meet quality standards. The Graphic Design Assistant will also assist in data collection and analysis, contributing to the preparation of presentations and reports, and updating information materials such as web pages and brochures. This position demands a blend of creativity, professionalism, and client orientation, as the assistant will be expected to deliver high-quality graphic materials that effectively communicate complex information.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Graphic Design Assistant include:

• Participating in initial meetings with clients to discuss design projects, including content, communication objectives, media options, technical specifications, costs, and deadlines.
• Independently undertaking design assignments for various UN-sponsored activities, including major conferences and campaigns.
• Conceptualizing and developing design proposals for client review, utilizing photographic, illustrative, or abstract graphic solutions.
• Designing and producing infographics and data visualizations to communicate complex information clearly and engagingly.
• Preparing all approved designs in electronic format for final review and printing, including reviewing color and print proofs.
• Providing guidance and support throughout the project production process, coordinating with clients and relevant parties to ensure projects are on schedule.
• Assisting with data collection and analysis, preparing presentations and reports for information sharing and decision-making.
• Updating information materials such as web pages or brochures as needed.
• Performing other related work as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Graphic Design Assistant position include:

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• A diploma in graphic design or a related field from a recognized college is desirable.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in publications production, including desktop publishing, graphic design, and layout, is required.
• For candidates with a first-level university degree or higher, the minimum experience requirement is reduced to five (5) years.
• Proficiency in professional graphic design and publishing software, such as Adobe Creative Cloud, is required.
• Experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Graphic Design Assistant position includes a high school diploma or equivalent. A diploma in graphic design or a related field from a recognized college is considered desirable, indicating a foundational understanding of design principles and practices that are essential for the role.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in publications production, which includes desktop publishing, graphic design, and layout. This experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of design projects and managing them effectively. For those who possess a first-level university degree or higher, the required experience is reduced to five (5) years, allowing for a more diverse pool of applicants with varying educational backgrounds.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this job opening, proficiency in English is required, with a minimum level of II according to the UN Language Framework. French is considered desirable, indicating that while it is not mandatory, having knowledge of French could enhance communication and collaboration within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. Staff members in the General Service and related categories are not eligible for international recruitment benefits. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce, ensuring that all applicants are treated fairly regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or other backgrounds. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.